Thank you very much. I have a lot of content like it across several playlists for my channel and I'm working on a Lake Tahoe clip from this morning. The fat trout were biting! Glad you found my channel and thanks for tuning in. There will be a lot more content to come.
That place is great. I like to hit it in the late fall when the lows get cold and the crowds thin out. One of these days, I plan to shoot up the Old Army Pass and try to summit Langley so I can see what going above 14K is about. I've decided I was going to do it several times while sitting at home but when I actually get up there I never seem to get past the fishing!
Caught a 14 1/2 inch golden out of south fork lake back in 1989 silver cast master first cast, remember it like it was yesterday. Caught and released plenty out of the cottonwood lakes. Those were the days.......GOOD TIMES....
Awesome memories made in places like this. It's still there for you! I first went up there around 1990 and still remember that trip. I'm hopefully heading up there in October. I'll save plenty for you for the day you can make it back. Thanks for sharing the experience.
@@wildernesswithamani1027 LOL.. don't plan on going out there again, but it was a beautiful experience. My plan now is to go up to the high country and bring back brown trout and stock my pond. You can actually scoop them up by the dozens above north lake in late October
Right on. It's incredible up there. Langley is right above there so if you are feeling adventurous you can shoot up the old army pass and summit the second highest peak in the lower 48. This year I might actually do it!
@@wildernesswithamani1027 oh, ill definitely be up to it! I live in Sacramento and grew up in Placerville and know these mountain areas intimately. Often my spot for trout is hike along tje American river canyon down from chili bar for miles off any trail. If use minow plugs you get some big rainbow and browns. Using worms will get you some decent ones for the dinner plate. Anyway, i love your videos. Keep on keeping on bro
Just found your page the other day, Amani. Great videos! Love the scenery of the Eastern Sierras-a tough get these days with two young kids, but I'm hoping to hit the trail again someday soon. Thanks again!
When my fishing and camping buddies over the years told me they were having kids, one by one they stopped going on trips with me. Now I'm alone! You've got your hands full. The Eastern Sierra will be there when your kids are ready to hike! Hang in there and hopefully you can squeeze a trip in there in the not so distant future. Thank for tuning in to my channel.
@@wildernesswithamani1027 I would like to hike up there but like you I have no one to go with my wife hates camping. I'm now in my 50's would need to be in very good shape to do it I'm working on that part.
@@Mike-01234 One after another over the years my fishing and camping bros have dropped off after they get married and had kids. Once the first kid comes, over! I started going alone years ago and simply have come to like it. I have friends who would like to go now but I still roll solo. I'm 50 so a tight diet and daily workouts keeps me in condition to go. my clip about staying fit on my variety playlist will give you a glimpse of how I stay fit. Keep getting in shape and you'll be able to make it out and back safely. If not, you can always get them to take you up on a horse from the pack station! Good luck.
Yeah man, those bigger goldens are spectacular in their coloring. I hope to get back up there as soon as the snow allows it. I have a clip on the creek in Horseshoe Meadows where I get several small goldens that are very colorful as well. I can't recall if that's on my 'backcountry lakes and creeks' or 'rivers' playlist but it's somewhere on my channel! Thanks for checking out the clip.
Jigs that don't have scent. I usually use sierra slammer tube jigs. Fly fishing I typically use beadhead nymphs. The basic way I fish them can be found on my fishing tips playlist and a little more of specific ways I fish them in different situations can be seen in a lot of my videos on my backcountry fishing playlist. If you already have your own style set, go get some of that action. Good luck.
@@wildernesswithamani1027 yes I went through all your sierra videos. Also all the previous comments of the jigs you use. I’m going to be fishing ultra light. Thanks for the videos. I’m checking out the high elevation and backpacking one right now. Love the content. Also enjoyed the Owen river videos too
Beautiful fish! I like to "fish to keep 'em", so, I'll use live bait (crickets, worms) but I also remove the barbs from my hooks too (Of course, I know that the entire Cottonwood Lakes system is "artificial baits, barbless hooks). Fish tend to hit live bait like they hit a lure especially if you use insects. This allows me to release a fish without injury because, I too, would rather they "live to fight another day" if I don't want to keep them. Great videos! It looks like you had fun making them! Walking around at 11,000+ feet elevation can be a workout! Good job!
I've been known to use a grasshopper where it is legal myself. I basically roll with nymphs or jigs at these lakes. I like jigs because they are easy to make barbless and the casting range is great. I recommend making this hike once the snow clears. Fish are beautiful.
Thanks. I'm glad you found my channel. I'll keep pumping out videos as long as there are viewers to watch them. I love hiking and fishing so that makes it easy. Thanks again for tuning in.
Wilderness with Amani I will have to wait until next year. Your videos are great since it gives me ideas for spots to go. I usually fish on the Feather River. Should of been there this weekend but everything is closed
@@jgarza6777 The closures set me back too. Cottonwood Lakes will be there next year. Some National Forest areas are opening to day use. Once again, the information coming out is confusing and uncertain! Just like the Covid restrictions last spring!
Hi Amani, I am a young angler and have recently been watching a lot of your videos about catching golden trout. I have been fishing in the Bishop/Mammoth area but haven't gotten to try to go for the gold yet but want to try this summer. I was wondering how I could ask you some more specific questions about backpacking and fishing these remote lakes… ~Ivan~
If you subscribe to my Patreon you can direct message me but for the most part I try to answer questions in the comment section. If you go to my channel playlists, I have videos for several lakes with golden trout or golden trout hybrids (Golden trout mixed with rainbow) on my backcountry fishing playlist, the hikes on my hiking playlist, suggestions for catching them on my fishing tips playlist, and tips for backpacking and camping on my other playlists. I try to respond for to the first comment people leave on videos but I might not see follow up questions so if you have a question try to make it the first comment you make on a video. Hope that helps. Good luck and keep on fishing.
@@wildernesswithamani1027 I was wondering what size back pack you use when you are camping for a couple days up at Cottonwood Lakes and if you had a packing/checklist for everything you bring that you could share? I have never backpacked and camped before so all of this is very interesting and I am doing my best to gather information from as many places as possible. Thanks!
@@IvanTkach-gp5pp I don't have a checklist. Musts are water filter, bear canister, a couple changes of clothes, fishing tackle, collapsible bucket, etc.. I use an old school external frame pack. I actually day hike up here a lot. The types of products I use can be found on my outdoor safety and products I use playlist.
Yeah, the action up there is good. I want to get to Long Lake up there but that's probably going to have to wait until late August after the experience I had at just 7K in Desolation Wilderness. I have a clip for South Fork Lakes up there that is only 4 miles from the trailhead and has nice goldens. I still have a lot of exploring to do in that area.
@@jeeperguy4290 I'm not sure. Never been there. There a multiple Long Lakes. I have 2 different ones on my backcountry fishing and hiking playlists already.
With all of the snow this year, I expect there to be snow on the ground up this high through July. The top lakes are above 11K. Hiking into the backcountry above 10K will be a challenge early July.
I like fishing Sierra Slammer jigs or bead head nymphs. I was trying new jigs on this trip which worked but I wasn't loving them. Neither where the fish! I did OK.
Bring your snow shoes. It's over 11K at Lake 5. If you try to power up there. be safe as you can because it might be dicey. I think Lake 5 is the only one open to fishing until September 30th. It's listed alphabetically on the special regulations chart for trout waters in the fish and wildlife regulation book. Good luck.
To far to hike for such small fish, although there very beautiful fish. Try the lakes in the wind river mountains in Wyoming, 3-4 pound goldens, really like your channel Amani.
I have no problem hiking for these fish. & mile is well within my range. Maybe someday I'll get out to Wyoming but that type of trip is out of range for my budget these days.
Just search up Cottonwood lakes and a map should come up. It's above lone pine and I have the hike for it on my hiking playlist. Just punch the trailhead into maps.
Going there in a few weeks. We should meet up! What jigs would recommend. Gonna try fly fishing too. Taking my son along. I think it would be cool for him for his first fish to be a golden
It will be seriously cold up there in a few weeks if you can even make it with the snow we are getting at 11K+ feet. With that said, I would use something like sierra slammers if you are using jigs. They don't have scent and can comply with the special regulations. That general style of jig is very effective in these lakes and I have a clip for this type of jig on my fishing tips playlist if you are interested. You are more adventurous than I am. I've never gone up there beyond October! Season ends November 15th but the latest I've been in all of the years I've been going was around October 20th. Lows typically dip below the 20's that time of year. I don't know what November is like! Stay safe and good luck.
The altitude is no joke! I hope to hit it this summer too. When ever the snow clears out at least. If you are adventurous, you can shoot up the Old Army pass at the rear of lake #4 and take the trail to the summit of Mt. Langley. Over 14K feet high without the crowds of summating Mt. Whitney. Personally, the fishing has always been good enough for me! I never make it past the Lakes! Thanks for checking out the clip.
Took my son there in August 2021 so he could catch some goldens. Sadly, water levels were so much lower than what I'm seeing here. What a difference a couple of years of low snow make.
I was there later that Fall and I did OK. The mountain lakes I'm going to this year are full so maybe you can try again. Bummer he couldn't get any. I have a couple clips up for lakes with goldens or golden hybrids. Odell Lake is really eay to hike to. Only a couple of miles. On my 'backcountry lakes and creeks' playlist. Hope you both have better luck next time.
@@wildernesswithamani1027 Heading up to Sabrina trailhead next week for a few nights. I'll get out to Hungry Packer, Dingleberry, Topsy Turvy and possibly Emerald lakes. Great channel you've got here 👍
Regulations are one thing, getting there is another! Unless you are a serious adventurer, Lake 5 is above 11K feet so there is usually a fair amount of snow until July. If you time it right, getting there right after the snow melts can be great. I usually hit it before the snow shows up in the Fall. A few years back, I got caught in white out conditions first week of October so my timing isn't always right!
Regardless of which type of jig I am using, I always tie the jig directly to the line to maintain the most control over the action and keep it looking as natural as possible. In this clip, the types of jigs I used where new to me. I most often use the 'Sierra Slammer' brand up in special regulation lakes like these because they have no scent which is illegal. In regular regulation lakes I sometimes use the powerbait brand because they are more readily available. I have a clip on my 'trout fishing tips playlist, in which I demonstrate how I use the lighter jigs. On my next trip up there, I want to try the 1/8 OZ marabou jigs I use in most of the clips I have on my '2 playlists dealing with river fishing because they sink fast and there seems to be some lager trout in some of the deeper sections of Lakes #4 and #5. I also have a clip on my trout fishing tips playlist where I show my method for making hooks barbless to comply with the special regulations here if you are interested.
Great videos dude. I watched all your Big Pine vids before I went up this last weekend. I only got a about 7 or 8 8"-9" Brook. It helped a lot since it's been 20yrs since last fishing trip. I plan on going to Cottonwood or even in the Sequoia's this year. Can you send a link for jigs or even pointers on weight to use. Any advice will be greatly appreciated. Thanks. I bought an Okuma Voyager backpacking rod and reel with 4lb test and #6 hooks. And used 2 small pinch weights. Wanted to use more weight since I could only cast out about 15feet max., Where all the little guys where.
Right on man. Big Pine Lakes is a killer place for scenery and solid place for Browns (Lake 1). All of my luck was in Lake #1 within 10 feet of the shoreline but sometimes you never know. The way I see it, 7 or 8 trout of any kind is some fine fishing after a 20 year break! You did well! Typically, I keep my hooks below size 10 in Alpine lakes and sometimes go as small as size 12 or 14 if using grass hoppers or aquatic insects I forage. Awesome you got back out there. Keep making adjustments when fishing gets tough and you will hit a rhythm where you are getting some nice fish. Sneak up to the shore because the big guys are sometimes right off the bank. Low profile, stay crouched. Especially cottonwood lakes #4 in the shallow areas. Sneak up and you will see them cruising or sitting right under the bushes or boulders on the shore. Especially when the wind is blowing the water up against Bank.That's where the food is. When the wind isn't howling, lake 5 is great. Walk halfway towards the back on the right side and get into those boulder areas. Let your jigs sink. The jigs I should have brought for that clip, but didn't, are the old school basic crappie jigs with a plain lead head and a rubber body that slips off real easy. Go to my "Building a trout tackle box clip" and see the jigs I show there. Those particular jigs can't be used at cottonwood lakes because they have scent (artificial barbless only) but that is similar to what the jig bodies look like on the ones I'm talking about, only the lead head is exposed and not covered by rubber. The skirt has less little tentacles too. If you find them, bring extra rubber bodies because the trout tear them up after only a couple fish. They don't do good in the wind but if it is not windy I have had days where I catch and release dozens of fish in a few hours. Those power bait jigs in my clip work good in regular regulation waters and they sell them everywhere. Good to have in your arsenal to use in most other fishing situations. Just in case you get hit with heavy wind up at Cottonwood like I did, I would grab a couple Little Cleo spoons or small Krocodile lures and pinch the barbs off so they comply with the special regulations (I think I have these in my "building a trout tackle box" clip). They are a good heavy option to have in the event you get hit with crazy wind up at Cottonwood. That way you can cast with some good range. I only had jigs and flies last trip so I almost got shut down by the wind. With that said, grab a fly rod and some nymphs and give it a shot if it's not too windy! I am going up to fish a mountain Reservoir East of Fresno next week to go over some cold weather trout reservoir strategies. Hopefully I can get some good info to my viewers in time for the cold season. I am stoked you got out and fished after so many years. If you have questions, I will always try to help. That is a main reason I set up this channel. Information! Thanks for the positive feed back and thanks for watching my channel.
Yes. it's about 7 miles. I have the hike on my 'backpacking and hiking' playlist. I have the hike for all of the lakes on by backcountry fishing playlist on my hiking playlist.
From the Horseshoe Meadows Trailhead it's about 7 miles. I've backpacked it several times but I've also day hiked it a bunch of times. It's a lot of up and down so with a light pack you can get in and out with several hours of fishing in the middle. Beautiful area up there.
Jigs that are made by powerbait are rubber but I believe there is scent infused into it. When dealing with bodies of water that are governed by the special regulation of artificial lures with barbless hooks only, there can be no scent at all applied to the lures or built into them by the manufacturer. That is my understanding of the regulation but, to be clear, I am not an official source for rules and regulations! The snow should be clearing up there in a few weeks so if you can, I highly recommend checking it out. Thanks for checking out the clip.
They switch the regulations some years so you always have to check. It will be listed under special regulations. I haven't been there this year yet but I have seen them switch the lake you can keep fish back and fourth between 4 and 5 over the years. It has always been artificial barbless hooks only for as long as I have been going there and that spans back over a decade. Hope that helps.
The top 2 lakes are above 11K so the lows can be pretty chilly. You definitely wants to check the lows but Mid July-Aug is usually the most reasonable. It's hard to gauge when it will be clear of snow enough to easily power up there this year because we are set to get some late snow in the Sierra Nevada Range. My guess is, if you go beginning to mid July and have a bag that is rated to cover you down to 20 degrees you will most likely be comfortable at night in the Summer. If that bag is too hot you can let some cold air in. Better too hot than shivering all night. Snow storms can hit on the fringes of the main backpacking season and the wind can get crazy up there. Been hit by snowstorms up there myself late in the Fall and it can be ugly! In my clip "Surviving Freezing Wet Temps" it was October with lows around 15 degrees. I don't think you need to brace yourself for that in the Summer. I usually plan to deal with low temps around freezing in the Summer which, to some, may seem overcautious. My favorite time to go up is mid Sept-October because it's less crowded. Lows get down into the teens but if you have a good sleeping bag you won't spend the night shivering. In my opinion, fishing is best right after the snow melts at the beginning of Summer. The trout bite can be explosive. Hopefully that will be late June-early July this year. Last year, I was trudging through snow late July. Going to snow today so who knows! I just had to cancel my fishing trip near Tahoe this morning. Good luck and no question that will help you be better prepared in a new, unfamiliar location is a bad one. Thank you for tuning in.
Nice and informative video as always. How long is the hike into the Cottonwood lakes? Can it be done in one day with an early start and a few hours of fishing? The goal is just to catch one golden trout. Thanks and keep up the videos.
It is about 7 miles to the upper lakes and it is totally day hike material. In my first clips up there I day hike it. The total elevation gain is only a little over 1000 feet. Light pack you can do it in under 3 hrs. No permit needed for a day hike so hit the trail at day break and you can get in several hours of fishing. All artificial barbless. My jig choice wasn't great on this trip. Tried new stuff. Find the basic small jigs with a lead head and a rubber skirt. If you can get a fly rod going, I like nymphs. Sneak up to the shore in lake 4. A lot of nice fish will be next to the bank. Especially under bushes and large boulders. Fly fishing lake 4 clip up tomorrow. Good luck and thanks for watching.
I am eager to get into the high altitude back country. I'm going to wait to hit this spot in the fall probably. Gets cold in October at 11K. It's nice!
There was enough late snow where I wouldn't try to get up to cottonwood Lakes until the first week of July. The top lakes are above 11,000 feet elevation and the snow can persist into summer. You could try to go earlier but the safe play is to wait a little longer into July and have a nice safe hike up. I have a clip with hiking tips if you are new to hiking above 10,000 feet that could be useful. If you have been hiking that high up, charge it. Thanks for checking out my channel.
@@wildernesswithamani1027 check the regulations but the Cottonwoods lakes are closed until 1 July its also catch and release with artificials and barbless hooks. so all these videos you see of people catching and cooking goldentrout in this area are questionable on there legality. The fish from these lakes are used as brood stock for the rest of the State. So please respect the resource. Muir lake and Lake 5 is a keeper lake but check regulations for limits .Tight lines
@@robertpyatt8098 As of the 2020/2021 Season, Cottonwood Lakes 1,2,3 & 4 and their tributaries (Inyo County) are "artificial baits with barbless hooks with a "0" bag limit". All other lakes in the Cottonwood Lakes system are artificial baits with barbless hooks with a 5 fish limit. There is currently (as of late fall 2020) debate within the California Dept. of Fish and Wildlife as to opening up all of the Cottonwood Lake system to "artificial baits, barbless hooks with a 5 fish limit" due to the fact that the Goldens within that system have been hybridized with Rainbow Trout. Volcano Creek Golden Trout (pure strain) are currently being harvested and transported to an undisclosed water system to provide brood stock for the State of California and anywhere else where Goldens are planted.
@@joeduck57 thanks I went to the regs to check again before I got back.page 38 section 49 (a)cottonwood lakes 1 2 3 4 and there tributaries july 1 to nov 15, artificial lures barbles , 0 trout
I'm not a big fan. I find them to be good but not great. I have eaten them several years ago but I release all of them these days. For me, rainbows and brooks reign supreme. I can't wait until it gets cold and I can go after some big Lake Tahoe Rainbows!
No, I simply tie what ever jig I'm using directly to the line whether it's in a river or a lake. I like to have a direct connection to my jig so I can maintain a high level of control at any depth. Especially when I'm bouncing it deep towards the bottom.
I have done both. It's about a 7 mile hike but there is only about a 1K and change elevation gain from Horseshoe Meadow. This time of year, be ready for cold temps at night if you get a permit and stay over. Gets well below freezing up there real soon!
I use a Gopro Hero Black 5. I also use an external microphone with it. As a whole, it has worked well for me but if you use the external mic, the audio doesn't record unless you turn the camera on in a specific way which has been a pain at times (a quick search will give you a number of stories). I have lost good footage because of that. Especially when I was first starting out with it. When you get a fish going, time to sort things out isn't exactly a luxury that's available. The specific external mic adapter needed for gopro cameras is also bulky and a bit cumbersome as well. Other than that, the video quality is solid! Just heartbreaking when I get a good fish and when I play back the video, no audio! Thanks for checking out my channel. A lot more fishing to come.
Just ran into your content and really enjoy your videos! Do you happen to run into rattlesnakes or other types of snakes on your hike up to the lakes or even around the lakes? I want to take my wife this summer, but she is deathly afraid of them. Thank you
Take your Wife! If you are considering Cottonwood lakes, I seriously doubt that you would encounter rattlesnakes at that altitude. The trail head at horseshoe meadow is at around 10,000 feet and the lakes 1-5 range about 10,700-11,200 feet. The extreme end of a rattlesnakes range in, terms of altitude, is roughly 11,000 feet and I would be very surprised to see one above 9,000 feet. The window where it is snow free up at Cottonwood Lakes is really short and the low temperatures get down below freezing at night for much of the year. If you want the most comfortable weather conditions, mid July- early September is your best bet. There will be more people up there during those peak months but Lakes 4 and 5 typically have less people. If you camp down at Lake 3, you can cruise up with light gear to 4 and 5 and hike around without many people most of the year. That last switchback weeds out a lot of the crowd. There are great views all around and the landscape, along with some really old trees, are cool to experience. Bring your camera! It is always cool at night up there at that altitude but on, and beyond, the fringes of July and August be prepared for chilly temperatures at night. Make sure you have good sleeping bags! Better a little too warm than shivering at night! I check a site called weatherforyou.com to get temperature ranges so I know what I'm walking into. I just google "Weather forecast cottonwood lakes" and it pops up. Personally, I have never seen a rattlesnake above 7,500 feet but that doesn't mean there can't be one. Rattlesnake encounters are rare at higher altitudes and I think it would be safe to expect a snake free trip up at Cottonwood lakes or any other destination above 10,000 feet in the Eastern Sierra. In decades of backpacking often above 10,000 feet I have never seen a rattler that high and I am breaking through brush, off trail, in hard to reach places trying to catch fish. Explain to your wife that there is no need to be afraid. In general, if you watch where you are stepping, putting your hands, and sitting you will never have a problem with rattle snakes whether you are on your local running trail at low altitude or up hiking in the back country (maybe watch my rattle snake clip). You have a better chance of having a bad experience with altitude sickness than you do encountering a snake. If you are new to hiking above 10,000 feet, I recommend my clip tilted "How to become the best hiker". That clip will give you an idea of how to avoid feeling lousy. I also bring good headache pills just in case I get a headache before I get a headache from the altitude. Hasn't happened to me personally in decades of backpacking but I always want to be prepared. People I have been with have gotten them! Thanks for checking out and subscribing to my channel. If you ever have any questions about fishing, any of the destinations featured on my channel, or anything else I can help you with please do not hesitate to hit me with a question in the comment section. I will do my best to answer your questions to the best of my ability based on my personal experiences. Good luck and I hope you make it up there and have a great time!
In a around a dozen trips or so backpacking in that specific area, I have never experienced any direct evidence of bears. With that said, I always prepare and act as though there will definitely be bears. The second you lower your guard, they will show up! Hope you get a chance to get out there.
Not sure about the caddis similarity. I've used them a couple times and they work pretty good. In Cottonwood Lakes, my experience has shown me the simple small jigs with a plain exposed lead head and a hollow rubber skirt body that slides off easy work the best. One trout after another when the wind isn't howling like it was.They like to hit them on the slow sink portion of the retrieve. I just didn't have any of those! Even if I did, the wind would have made it tough to use them. I was trying out 2 new jigs and had the trout magnets already barbless and ready to go. Almost too windy for the small sizes of trout magnets I had. The heavier style gitzit brand I tried worked in the wind OK but the trout weren't crazy about them. Barely uses the other kind I brought. Disappointing jig selection on my part! I think those heavier jigs would be good from a boat or kayak though. Thanks for watching.
@@wildernesswithamani1027 thanks for the response. I’m going up soon and I’ll let you know how it goes for us. Planning to try some flies, spoons, and kastmasters. I’ll probably pick up some jigs to take after seeing your video. Thanks!!
@@Jesteraron I think I was experimenting with jigs that were a little heavier than I typically use in alpine lakes in this clip. What I usually use are the Sierra Slammer brand that I believe are 1/32 OZ. They are the small rubber tube jigs. They are the style I show in my clip on jig fishing in alpine lakes on my fishing tips playlist only the sierra slammer jigs don't have scent which is necessary in the special regulations for cottonwood lakes. Anything with scent built is is illegal up there and that would include the similar style rubber jigs made by powerbait. Next time I am up that way I am going to experiment with 1/16 OZ marabou jigs.
Jigs are a productive option in alpine lakes. I was experimenting with some new stuff on this day but the lighter rubber jigs I do a demonstration for in a clip on my fishing tips playlist and use in other alpine lake clips are what I like to go with.
In a sense, I'm trying to guide as many people as possible through my channel. I am trying to show people new possible places to check out through my channel and demonstrate a variety of fishing tactics applied in different settings. Right now, it is winter so I figure it is going to get boring watching me catch trout just sitting there bait fishing. Still, I am trying to continue to highlight possible destinations. I have used lures and flies but in the dead of Winter, bait fishing from shore seems to be where it's at in the reservoirs I am able to access in the short windows of time I have available to go on trips. I have done several trips to some of my favorite places but now I am trying to hit new spots. Fished Lake Tahoe today for the first time and the fishing was slow where I landed on shore. Wasn't sure where to go so I will definitely be exploring a new spot in the not too distant future. Got one small trout. Great day to be out there though. It has taken me years to seek out and explore new destinations so what I plan to continue doing going forward is try out new destinations and showcase a little of what they have to offer so people can take a look and see if they want to go fishing or set out on there own adventures there. My recent move to Reno, NV will aid in this plan because it puts me into a closer proximity to a high number of quality destinations. My channel is fairly new and still evolving. I I had never used a video camera before and computers aren't my thing but I am getting better at filming so hopefully things will start getting more interesting once the trails clear up from snow and I can start hiking into the back country again. Lassen National Park is definitely on the menu as one of the least visited Parks in the system. Hope to hike up the volcano! A few days cruising around Yosemite should be in the cards. Eastern Sierra is always in my sights and well within range. I have been backpacking and fishing in the Eastern Sierra for decades and have barely scratched the surface! I won't have a lot of time off this year so it's going to be a lot of driving at night and hiking in at first light to film and fish. We'll see what happens. Thanks for the kind words and tuning in to my channel. I hope to bring you some good info and entertainment in the days to come.
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That's the best group of Goldens I've seen caught at one time....very nice!
Yeah, the goldens there are nice. I hope to get up there before too much snow falls.
You are giving us a great lesson because you give us so many tips on how to cast, where to cast, how to retrieve, etc. Thank you!
Right on. That's also what my trout fishing tips playlist is all about. Fishing success makes for great trips!
This is some of the best fishing content I’ve seen on TH-cam! You deserve more! Keep it up!!
Thank you very much. I have a lot of content like it across several playlists for my channel and I'm working on a Lake Tahoe clip from this morning. The fat trout were biting! Glad you found my channel and thanks for tuning in. There will be a lot more content to come.
I’ve fished all throughout the Sierras and have always wanted to try Cottonwood. Thanks for posting this informative video.
That place is great. I like to hit it in the late fall when the lows get cold and the crowds thin out. One of these days, I plan to shoot up the Old Army Pass and try to summit Langley so I can see what going above 14K is about. I've decided I was going to do it several times while sitting at home but when I actually get up there I never seem to get past the fishing!
Caught a 14 1/2 inch golden out of south fork lake back in 1989 silver cast master first cast, remember it like it was yesterday. Caught and released plenty out of the cottonwood lakes. Those were the days.......GOOD TIMES....
Awesome memories made in places like this. It's still there for you! I first went up there around 1990 and still remember that trip. I'm hopefully heading up there in October. I'll save plenty for you for the day you can make it back. Thanks for sharing the experience.
@@wildernesswithamani1027 LOL.. don't plan on going out there again, but it was a beautiful experience. My plan now is to go up to the high country and bring back brown trout and stock my pond. You can actually scoop them up by the dozens above north lake in late October
@@DavidSanchez-uo2cn sounds fun, but that would be illegal.
@@dthorne4602 Yeah I know. Getting a fish importation permit for Browns and Rainbows. To stock my pond.
@@DavidSanchez-uo2cn that would be a sweet deal.
Great sense of humor, thank you!
Thanks. That's just how I am believe it or not! I just have fun when I'm fishing.
Amazing fishing and scenery! Definitely hiking up there this summer! Love your videos! Keep it up bro
Right on. It's incredible up there. Langley is right above there so if you are feeling adventurous you can shoot up the old army pass and summit the second highest peak in the lower 48. This year I might actually do it!
@@wildernesswithamani1027 oh, ill definitely be up to it! I live in Sacramento and grew up in Placerville and know these mountain areas intimately. Often my spot for trout is hike along tje American river canyon down from chili bar for miles off any trail. If use minow plugs you get some big rainbow and browns. Using worms will get you some decent ones for the dinner plate. Anyway, i love your videos. Keep on keeping on bro
Just found your page the other day, Amani. Great videos! Love the scenery of the Eastern Sierras-a tough get these days with two young kids, but I'm hoping to hit the trail again someday soon. Thanks again!
When my fishing and camping buddies over the years told me they were having kids, one by one they stopped going on trips with me. Now I'm alone! You've got your hands full. The Eastern Sierra will be there when your kids are ready to hike! Hang in there and hopefully you can squeeze a trip in there in the not so distant future. Thank for tuning in to my channel.
@@wildernesswithamani1027 I would like to hike up there but like you I have no one to go with my wife hates camping. I'm now in my 50's would need to be in very good shape to do it I'm working on that part.
@@Mike-01234 One after another over the years my fishing and camping bros have dropped off after they get married and had kids. Once the first kid comes, over! I started going alone years ago and simply have come to like it. I have friends who would like to go now but I still roll solo. I'm 50 so a tight diet and daily workouts keeps me in condition to go. my clip about staying fit on my variety playlist will give you a glimpse of how I stay fit. Keep getting in shape and you'll be able to make it out and back safely. If not, you can always get them to take you up on a horse from the pack station! Good luck.
Nice colors on these ones!!!!!!
Yeah man, those bigger goldens are spectacular in their coloring. I hope to get back up there as soon as the snow allows it. I have a clip on the creek in Horseshoe Meadows where I get several small goldens that are very colorful as well. I can't recall if that's on my 'backcountry lakes and creeks' or 'rivers' playlist but it's somewhere on my channel! Thanks for checking out the clip.
I've ridden my bike up that road to the trailhead, from Tuttle Creek Campground. Golden's are the prettiest trout!
That is a thin road to be on a bike! Man, you must have been feeling the altitude! Keeps you young!
A fly rod, a dry fly and a net was my choice, I just returned and had a beautiful experience.
Right on. Sounds like a great time.
Any barbless lure recommendations? First timing going out to this lake and trout fishing! Love the content
Jigs that don't have scent. I usually use sierra slammer tube jigs. Fly fishing I typically use beadhead nymphs. The basic way I fish them can be found on my fishing tips playlist and a little more of specific ways I fish them in different situations can be seen in a lot of my videos on my backcountry fishing playlist. If you already have your own style set, go get some of that action. Good luck.
@@wildernesswithamani1027 yes I went through all your sierra videos. Also all the previous comments of the jigs you use. I’m going to be fishing ultra light. Thanks for the videos. I’m checking out the high elevation and backpacking one right now. Love the content. Also enjoyed the Owen river videos too
Beautiful fish! I like to "fish to keep 'em", so, I'll use live bait (crickets, worms) but I also remove the barbs from my hooks too (Of course, I know that the entire Cottonwood Lakes system is "artificial baits, barbless hooks). Fish tend to hit live bait like they hit a lure especially if you use insects. This allows me to release a fish without injury because, I too, would rather they "live to fight another day" if I don't want to keep them. Great videos! It looks like you had fun making them! Walking around at 11,000+ feet elevation can be a workout! Good job!
I've been known to use a grasshopper where it is legal myself. I basically roll with nymphs or jigs at these lakes. I like jigs because they are easy to make barbless and the casting range is great. I recommend making this hike once the snow clears. Fish are beautiful.
Very cool video man. I love the genuine passion
Thanks. I'm glad you found my channel. I'll keep pumping out videos as long as there are viewers to watch them. I love hiking and fishing so that makes it easy. Thanks again for tuning in.
Have you done any fishing there around this time of year? Mid late Oct ish?
Yes, multiple times since the 90's and it's really good. Be prepared for really cold nights and mornings.
You go to places I want to go too. A Golden is on my bucket list
This is a good spot for that. It's awesome up there. Going to start getting real cold at night up there. Indicates to me it's time to go!
Wilderness with Amani I will have to wait until next year. Your videos are great since it gives me ideas for spots to go. I usually fish on the Feather River. Should of been there this weekend but everything is closed
@@jgarza6777 The closures set me back too. Cottonwood Lakes will be there next year. Some National Forest areas are opening to day use. Once again, the information coming out is confusing and uncertain! Just like the Covid restrictions last spring!
Hi Amani, I am a young angler and have recently been watching a lot of your videos about catching golden trout. I have been fishing in the Bishop/Mammoth area but haven't gotten to try to go for the gold yet but want to try this summer. I was wondering how I could ask you some more specific questions about backpacking and fishing these remote lakes… ~Ivan~
If you subscribe to my Patreon you can direct message me but for the most part I try to answer questions in the comment section. If you go to my channel playlists, I have videos for several lakes with golden trout or golden trout hybrids (Golden trout mixed with rainbow) on my backcountry fishing playlist, the hikes on my hiking playlist, suggestions for catching them on my fishing tips playlist, and tips for backpacking and camping on my other playlists. I try to respond for to the first comment people leave on videos but I might not see follow up questions so if you have a question try to make it the first comment you make on a video. Hope that helps. Good luck and keep on fishing.
@@wildernesswithamani1027 I was wondering what size back pack you use when you are camping for a couple days up at Cottonwood Lakes and if you had a packing/checklist for everything you bring that you could share? I have never backpacked and camped before so all of this is very interesting and I am doing my best to gather information from as many places as possible. Thanks!
@@IvanTkach-gp5pp I don't have a checklist. Musts are water filter, bear canister, a couple changes of clothes, fishing tackle, collapsible bucket, etc.. I use an old school external frame pack. I actually day hike up here a lot. The types of products I use can be found on my outdoor safety and products I use playlist.
Man those are beautiful fish!😳
Yeah, the action up there is good. I want to get to Long Lake up there but that's probably going to have to wait until late August after the experience I had at just 7K in Desolation Wilderness. I have a clip for South Fork Lakes up there that is only 4 miles from the trailhead and has nice goldens. I still have a lot of exploring to do in that area.
@@wildernesswithamani1027 do you hike into Long Lake? Is that the one off 108 south of Dardanelle?
@@jeeperguy4290 I'm not sure. Never been there. There a multiple Long Lakes. I have 2 different ones on my backcountry fishing and hiking playlists already.
fantastic video, thank you
With all of the snow this year, I expect there to be snow on the ground up this high through July. The top lakes are above 11K. Hiking into the backcountry above 10K will be a challenge early July.
What's the ideal lure up there? Golden phoebes, kastmasters?
I like fishing Sierra Slammer jigs or bead head nymphs. I was trying new jigs on this trip which worked but I wasn't loving them. Neither where the fish! I did OK.
@@wildernesswithamani1027 Oh awesome, great to know, thanks! I really want to go up there for a day trip soon!
Gonna get them goldens hope to see you there.
Right on. Probably under ten feet of snow right now but August should be good. Good luck.
Heading up there Amani on Thursday. Gonna hike up and all 5 lakes till July 4th.
Bring your snow shoes. It's over 11K at Lake 5. If you try to power up there. be safe as you can because it might be dicey. I think Lake 5 is the only one open to fishing until September 30th. It's listed alphabetically on the special regulations chart for trout waters in the fish and wildlife regulation book. Good luck.
To far to hike for such small fish, although there very beautiful fish. Try the lakes in the wind river mountains in Wyoming, 3-4 pound goldens, really like your channel Amani.
I have no problem hiking for these fish. & mile is well within my range. Maybe someday I'll get out to Wyoming but that type of trip is out of range for my budget these days.
How can I find this lake ? Great video by the way! Love this channel you got your self a new subscriber.
Just search up Cottonwood lakes and a map should come up. It's above lone pine and I have the hike for it on my hiking playlist. Just punch the trailhead into maps.
Going there in a few weeks. We should meet up! What jigs would recommend. Gonna try fly fishing too. Taking my son along. I think it would be cool for him for his first fish to be a golden
It will be seriously cold up there in a few weeks if you can even make it with the snow we are getting at 11K+ feet. With that said, I would use something like sierra slammers if you are using jigs. They don't have scent and can comply with the special regulations. That general style of jig is very effective in these lakes and I have a clip for this type of jig on my fishing tips playlist if you are interested. You are more adventurous than I am. I've never gone up there beyond October! Season ends November 15th but the latest I've been in all of the years I've been going was around October 20th. Lows typically dip below the 20's that time of year. I don't know what November is like! Stay safe and good luck.
So jealous...I’m going to go there this upcoming summer. Also I can hear how out of breath you are at that altitude 😂
The altitude is no joke! I hope to hit it this summer too. When ever the snow clears out at least. If you are adventurous, you can shoot up the Old Army pass at the rear of lake #4 and take the trail to the summit of Mt. Langley. Over 14K feet high without the crowds of summating Mt. Whitney. Personally, the fishing has always been good enough for me! I never make it past the Lakes! Thanks for checking out the clip.
Took my son there in August 2021 so he could catch some goldens. Sadly, water levels were so much lower than what I'm seeing here. What a difference a couple of years of low snow make.
I was there later that Fall and I did OK. The mountain lakes I'm going to this year are full so maybe you can try again. Bummer he couldn't get any. I have a couple clips up for lakes with goldens or golden hybrids. Odell Lake is really eay to hike to. Only a couple of miles. On my 'backcountry lakes and creeks' playlist. Hope you both have better luck next time.
@@wildernesswithamani1027 Heading up to Sabrina trailhead next week for a few nights. I'll get out to Hungry Packer, Dingleberry, Topsy Turvy and possibly Emerald lakes. Great channel you've got here 👍
what reel are you using in this video?
I can't remember, this was a while ago. I typically use spinning reels that go for $20-30.
Have you caught the Sierra slam.
No, not in one day. I want to take a shot at getting that done at some point.
According to the new regulations, lake 5 can now be fished all year?
Regulations are one thing, getting there is another! Unless you are a serious adventurer, Lake 5 is above 11K feet so there is usually a fair amount of snow until July. If you time it right, getting there right after the snow melts can be great. I usually hit it before the snow shows up in the Fall. A few years back, I got caught in white out conditions first week of October so my timing isn't always right!
Did you use sinkers?
Regardless of which type of jig I am using, I always tie the jig directly to the line to maintain the most control over the action and keep it looking as natural as possible. In this clip, the types of jigs I used where new to me. I most often use the 'Sierra Slammer' brand up in special regulation lakes like these because they have no scent which is illegal. In regular regulation lakes I sometimes use the powerbait brand because they are more readily available. I have a clip on my 'trout fishing tips playlist, in which I demonstrate how I use the lighter jigs. On my next trip up there, I want to try the 1/8 OZ marabou jigs I use in most of the clips I have on my '2 playlists dealing with river fishing because they sink fast and there seems to be some lager trout in some of the deeper sections of Lakes #4 and #5. I also have a clip on my trout fishing tips playlist where I show my method for making hooks barbless to comply with the special regulations here if you are interested.
Great videos dude.
I watched all your Big Pine vids before I went up this last weekend. I only got a about 7 or 8 8"-9" Brook. It helped a lot since it's been 20yrs since last fishing trip.
I plan on going to Cottonwood or even in the Sequoia's this year. Can you send a link for jigs or even pointers on weight to use. Any advice will be greatly appreciated.
Thanks.
I bought an Okuma Voyager backpacking rod and reel with 4lb test and #6 hooks. And used 2 small pinch weights. Wanted to use more weight since I could only cast out about 15feet max., Where all the little guys where.
Right on man. Big Pine Lakes is a killer place for scenery and solid place for Browns (Lake 1). All of my luck was in Lake #1 within 10 feet of the shoreline but sometimes you never know. The way I see it, 7 or 8 trout of any kind is some fine fishing after a 20 year break! You did well! Typically, I keep my hooks below size 10 in Alpine lakes and sometimes go as small as size 12 or 14 if using grass hoppers or aquatic insects I forage. Awesome you got back out there. Keep making adjustments when fishing gets tough and you will hit a rhythm where you are getting some nice fish. Sneak up to the shore because the big guys are sometimes right off the bank. Low profile, stay crouched. Especially cottonwood lakes #4 in the shallow areas. Sneak up and you will see them cruising or sitting right under the bushes or boulders on the shore. Especially when the wind is blowing the water up against Bank.That's where the food is. When the wind isn't howling, lake 5 is great. Walk halfway towards the back on the right side and get into those boulder areas. Let your jigs sink. The jigs I should have brought for that clip, but didn't, are the old school basic crappie jigs with a plain lead head and a rubber body that slips off real easy. Go to my "Building a trout tackle box clip" and see the jigs I show there. Those particular jigs can't be used at cottonwood lakes because they have scent (artificial barbless only) but that is similar to what the jig bodies look like on the ones I'm talking about, only the lead head is exposed and not covered by rubber. The skirt has less little tentacles too. If you find them, bring extra rubber bodies because the trout tear them up after only a couple fish. They don't do good in the wind but if it is not windy I have had days where I catch and release dozens of fish in a few hours. Those power bait jigs in my clip work good in regular regulation waters and they sell them everywhere. Good to have in your arsenal to use in most other fishing situations. Just in case you get hit with heavy wind up at Cottonwood like I did, I would grab a couple Little Cleo spoons or small Krocodile lures and pinch the barbs off so they comply with the special regulations (I think I have these in my "building a trout tackle box" clip). They are a good heavy option to have in the event you get hit with crazy wind up at Cottonwood. That way you can cast with some good range. I only had jigs and flies last trip so I almost got shut down by the wind. With that said, grab a fly rod and some nymphs and give it a shot if it's not too windy!
I am going up to fish a mountain Reservoir East of Fresno next week to go over some cold weather trout reservoir strategies. Hopefully I can get some good info to my viewers in time for the cold season. I am stoked you got out and fished after so many years. If you have questions, I will always try to help. That is a main reason I set up this channel. Information! Thanks for the positive feed back and thanks for watching my channel.
Do you have to hike into this lake?
Yes. it's about 7 miles. I have the hike on my 'backpacking and hiking' playlist. I have the hike for all of the lakes on by backcountry fishing playlist on my hiking playlist.
How long is the hike from the trailhead to the lakes?
From the Horseshoe Meadows Trailhead it's about 7 miles. I've backpacked it several times but I've also day hiked it a bunch of times. It's a lot of up and down so with a light pack you can get in and out with several hours of fishing in the middle. Beautiful area up there.
hello, great video. what do you mean no scent?
Jigs that are made by powerbait are rubber but I believe there is scent infused into it. When dealing with bodies of water that are governed by the special regulation of artificial lures with barbless hooks only, there can be no scent at all applied to the lures or built into them by the manufacturer. That is my understanding of the regulation but, to be clear, I am not an official source for rules and regulations! The snow should be clearing up there in a few weeks so if you can, I highly recommend checking it out. Thanks for checking out the clip.
When you lick it it should taste like plastic
hey man nice video! so can I have the fish that I caught at cottonwood lake 5? thanks
They switch the regulations some years so you always have to check. It will be listed under special regulations. I haven't been there this year yet but I have seen them switch the lake you can keep fish back and fourth between 4 and 5 over the years. It has always been artificial barbless hooks only for as long as I have been going there and that spans back over a decade. Hope that helps.
Kind of a random question but how the weather up there during summer moths. I've heard cold and hot.
The top 2 lakes are above 11K so the lows can be pretty chilly. You definitely wants to check the lows but Mid July-Aug is usually the most reasonable. It's hard to gauge when it will be clear of snow enough to easily power up there this year because we are set to get some late snow in the Sierra Nevada Range. My guess is, if you go beginning to mid July and have a bag that is rated to cover you down to 20 degrees you will most likely be comfortable at night in the Summer. If that bag is too hot you can let some cold air in. Better too hot than shivering all night. Snow storms can hit on the fringes of the main backpacking season and the wind can get crazy up there. Been hit by snowstorms up there myself late in the Fall and it can be ugly! In my clip "Surviving Freezing Wet Temps" it was October with lows around 15 degrees. I don't think you need to brace yourself for that in the Summer. I usually plan to deal with low temps around freezing in the Summer which, to some, may seem overcautious. My favorite time to go up is mid Sept-October because it's less crowded. Lows get down into the teens but if you have a good sleeping bag you won't spend the night shivering.
In my opinion, fishing is best right after the snow melts at the beginning of Summer. The trout bite can be explosive. Hopefully that will be late June-early July this year. Last year, I was trudging through snow late July. Going to snow today so who knows! I just had to cancel my fishing trip near Tahoe this morning. Good luck and no question that will help you be better prepared in a new, unfamiliar location is a bad one. Thank you for tuning in.
Solid Goldens
Fun times up there. That's way up there.
Nice and informative video as always. How long is the hike into the Cottonwood lakes? Can it be done in one day with an early start and a few hours of fishing? The goal is just to catch one golden trout. Thanks and keep up the videos.
It is about 7 miles to the upper lakes and it is totally day hike material. In my first clips up there I day hike it. The total elevation gain is only a little over 1000 feet. Light pack you can do it in under 3 hrs. No permit needed for a day hike so hit the trail at day break and you can get in several hours of fishing. All artificial barbless. My jig choice wasn't great on this trip. Tried new stuff. Find the basic small jigs with a lead head and a rubber skirt. If you can get a fly rod going, I like nymphs. Sneak up to the shore in lake 4. A lot of nice fish will be next to the bank. Especially under bushes and large boulders. Fly fishing lake 4 clip up tomorrow. Good luck and thanks for watching.
I like them Sierra Slammers nice video🤟
I am eager to get into the high altitude back country. I'm going to wait to hit this spot in the fall probably. Gets cold in October at 11K. It's nice!
Hello amazing wid btw. Um do yu think that I can catch something in June at the Cottonwood lakes? once again thankyou
There was enough late snow where I wouldn't try to get up to cottonwood Lakes until the first week of July. The top lakes are above 11,000 feet elevation and the snow can persist into summer. You could try to go earlier but the safe play is to wait a little longer into July and have a nice safe hike up. I have a clip with hiking tips if you are new to hiking above 10,000 feet that could be useful. If you have been hiking that high up, charge it. Thanks for checking out my channel.
@@wildernesswithamani1027 check the regulations but the Cottonwoods lakes are closed until 1 July its also catch and release with artificials and barbless hooks. so all these videos you see of people catching and cooking goldentrout in this area are questionable on there legality. The fish from these lakes are used as brood stock for the rest of the State. So please respect the resource. Muir lake and Lake 5 is a keeper lake but check regulations for limits .Tight lines
@@robertpyatt8098 As of the 2020/2021 Season, Cottonwood Lakes 1,2,3 & 4 and their tributaries (Inyo County) are "artificial baits with barbless hooks with a "0" bag limit". All other lakes in the Cottonwood Lakes system are artificial baits with barbless hooks with a 5 fish limit. There is currently (as of late fall 2020) debate within the California Dept. of Fish and Wildlife as to opening up all of the Cottonwood Lake system to "artificial baits, barbless hooks with a 5 fish limit" due to the fact that the Goldens within that system have been hybridized with Rainbow Trout. Volcano Creek Golden Trout (pure strain) are currently being harvested and transported to an undisclosed water system to provide brood stock for the State of California and anywhere else where Goldens are planted.
@@joeduck57 thanks I went to the regs to check again before I got back.page 38 section 49 (a)cottonwood lakes 1 2 3 4 and there tributaries july 1 to nov 15, artificial lures barbles , 0 trout
I enjoy your videos.Thanks
What they taste like
I'm not a big fan. I find them to be good but not great. I have eaten them several years ago but I release all of them these days. For me, rainbows and brooks reign supreme. I can't wait until it gets cold and I can go after some big Lake Tahoe Rainbows!
how come your not using a net?
I can't remember. This clip was a while ago. I should have had a net with me. Maybe I lost it. I'm not sure.
Do you use a weight of any kind?
No, I simply tie what ever jig I'm using directly to the line whether it's in a river or a lake. I like to have a direct connection to my jig so I can maintain a high level of control at any depth. Especially when I'm bouncing it deep towards the bottom.
Hi, is this a hike in and hike out trip for the day or do you camp the night?
I have done both. It's about a 7 mile hike but there is only about a 1K and change elevation gain from Horseshoe Meadow. This time of year, be ready for cold temps at night if you get a permit and stay over. Gets well below freezing up there real soon!
Yo Amani, isnt there a 395 challenge, its like 5 species in 24 hours or something
I think it's the Sierra Slam. I did it over two days on one of my trips but that counts as nothing!
@@wildernesswithamani1027 when is that video coming baby? Give the people what ghey2 want!
gorgeous fish bud, what are you recording with?
I use a Gopro Hero Black 5. I also use an external microphone with it. As a whole, it has worked well for me but if you use the external mic, the audio doesn't record unless you turn the camera on in a specific way which has been a pain at times (a quick search will give you a number of stories). I have lost good footage because of that. Especially when I was first starting out with it. When you get a fish going, time to sort things out isn't exactly a luxury that's available. The specific external mic adapter needed for gopro cameras is also bulky and a bit cumbersome as well. Other than that, the video quality is solid! Just heartbreaking when I get a good fish and when I play back the video, no audio! Thanks for checking out my channel. A lot more fishing to come.
Just ran into your content and really enjoy your videos! Do you happen to run into rattlesnakes or other types of snakes on your hike up to the lakes or even around the lakes? I want to take my wife this summer, but she is deathly afraid of them. Thank you
Take your Wife! If you are considering Cottonwood lakes, I seriously doubt that you would encounter rattlesnakes at that altitude. The trail head at horseshoe meadow is at around 10,000 feet and the lakes 1-5 range about 10,700-11,200 feet. The extreme end of a rattlesnakes range in, terms of altitude, is roughly 11,000 feet and I would be very surprised to see one above 9,000 feet. The window where it is snow free up at Cottonwood Lakes is really short and the low temperatures get down below freezing at night for much of the year. If you want the most comfortable weather conditions, mid July- early September is your best bet. There will be more people up there during those peak months but Lakes 4 and 5 typically have less people. If you camp down at Lake 3, you can cruise up with light gear to 4 and 5 and hike around without many people most of the year. That last switchback weeds out a lot of the crowd. There are great views all around and the landscape, along with some really old trees, are cool to experience. Bring your camera! It is always cool at night up there at that altitude but on, and beyond, the fringes of July and August be prepared for chilly temperatures at night. Make sure you have good sleeping bags! Better a little too warm than shivering at night! I check a site called weatherforyou.com to get temperature ranges so I know what I'm walking into. I just google "Weather forecast cottonwood lakes" and it pops up.
Personally, I have never seen a rattlesnake above 7,500 feet but that doesn't mean there can't be one. Rattlesnake encounters are rare at higher altitudes and I think it would be safe to expect a snake free trip up at Cottonwood lakes or any other destination above 10,000 feet in the Eastern Sierra. In decades of backpacking often above 10,000 feet I have never seen a rattler that high and I am breaking through brush, off trail, in hard to reach places trying to catch fish. Explain to your wife that there is no need to be afraid. In general, if you watch where you are stepping, putting your hands, and sitting you will never have a problem with rattle snakes whether you are on your local running trail at low altitude or up hiking in the back country (maybe watch my rattle snake clip). You have a better chance of having a bad experience with altitude sickness than you do encountering a snake. If you are new to hiking above 10,000 feet, I recommend my clip tilted "How to become the best hiker". That clip will give you an idea of how to avoid feeling lousy. I also bring good headache pills just in case I get a headache before I get a headache from the altitude. Hasn't happened to me personally in decades of backpacking but I always want to be prepared. People I have been with have gotten them!
Thanks for checking out and subscribing to my channel. If you ever have any questions about fishing, any of the destinations featured on my channel, or anything else I can help you with please do not hesitate to hit me with a question in the comment section. I will do my best to answer your questions to the best of my ability based on my personal experiences. Good luck and I hope you make it up there and have a great time!
Wilderness with Amani thank you sir! Keep up the great videos
Any signs of bear in that area ?
In a around a dozen trips or so backpacking in that specific area, I have never experienced any direct evidence of bears. With that said, I always prepare and act as though there will definitely be bears. The second you lower your guard, they will show up! Hope you get a chance to get out there.
Isn't the trout magnet supposed to look like caddis? From what I know caddis is like crack for trout. They go nuts for it.
Not sure about the caddis similarity. I've used them a couple times and they work pretty good. In Cottonwood Lakes, my experience has shown me the simple small jigs with a plain exposed lead head and a hollow rubber skirt body that slides off easy work the best. One trout after another when the wind isn't howling like it was.They like to hit them on the slow sink portion of the retrieve. I just didn't have any of those! Even if I did, the wind would have made it tough to use them. I was trying out 2 new jigs and had the trout magnets already barbless and ready to go. Almost too windy for the small sizes of trout magnets I had. The heavier style gitzit brand I tried worked in the wind OK but the trout weren't crazy about them. Barely uses the other kind I brought. Disappointing jig selection on my part! I think those heavier jigs would be good from a boat or kayak though. Thanks for watching.
wow
Yeah, those fish are spectacular.
Anyone have any luck with kastmasters or spoons up there?
I haven't tried them. The few clips I have up on my channel for these lakes I was using either jigs or nymphs. Hope to get back up there in the fall.
@@wildernesswithamani1027 thanks for the response. I’m going up soon and I’ll let you know how it goes for us. Planning to try some flies, spoons, and kastmasters. I’ll probably pick up some jigs to take after seeing your video. Thanks!!
What size are the jigs you are using?
@@Jesteraron I think I was experimenting with jigs that were a little heavier than I typically use in alpine lakes in this clip. What I usually use are the Sierra Slammer brand that I believe are 1/32 OZ. They are the small rubber tube jigs. They are the style I show in my clip on jig fishing in alpine lakes on my fishing tips playlist only the sierra slammer jigs don't have scent which is necessary in the special regulations for cottonwood lakes. Anything with scent built is is illegal up there and that would include the similar style rubber jigs made by powerbait. Next time I am up that way I am going to experiment with 1/16 OZ marabou jigs.
Jig mo dig epic
Jigs are a productive option in alpine lakes. I was experimenting with some new stuff on this day but the lighter rubber jigs I do a demonstration for in a clip on my fishing tips playlist and use in other alpine lake clips are what I like to go with.
Can you guide me here someday please
In a sense, I'm trying to guide as many people as possible through my channel. I am trying to show people new possible places to check out through my channel and demonstrate a variety of fishing tactics applied in different settings. Right now, it is winter so I figure it is going to get boring watching me catch trout just sitting there bait fishing. Still, I am trying to continue to highlight possible destinations. I have used lures and flies but in the dead of Winter, bait fishing from shore seems to be where it's at in the reservoirs I am able to access in the short windows of time I have available to go on trips. I have done several trips to some of my favorite places but now I am trying to hit new spots. Fished Lake Tahoe today for the first time and the fishing was slow where I landed on shore. Wasn't sure where to go so I will definitely be exploring a new spot in the not too distant future. Got one small trout. Great day to be out there though.
It has taken me years to seek out and explore new destinations so what I plan to continue doing going forward is try out new destinations and showcase a little of what they have to offer so people can take a look and see if they want to go fishing or set out on there own adventures there. My recent move to Reno, NV will aid in this plan because it puts me into a closer proximity to a high number of quality destinations. My channel is fairly new and still evolving. I I had never used a video camera before and computers aren't my thing but I am getting better at filming so hopefully things will start getting more interesting once the trails clear up from snow and I can start hiking into the back country again. Lassen National Park is definitely on the menu as one of the least visited Parks in the system. Hope to hike up the volcano! A few days cruising around Yosemite should be in the cards. Eastern Sierra is always in my sights and well within range. I have been backpacking and fishing in the Eastern Sierra for decades and have barely scratched the surface! I won't have a lot of time off this year so it's going to be a lot of driving at night and hiking in at first light to film and fish. We'll see what happens. Thanks for the kind words and tuning in to my channel. I hope to bring you some good info and entertainment in the days to come.
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It's going to be time soon for the high country!